Baguio city: Newly elected Baguio City Representative Mauricio Domogan has expressed confidence in securing support from lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) continues its pursuit of autonomy. Domogan emphasized the reciprocal relationship between the regions, indicating that BARMM lawmakers have promised support in return for previous assistance received from CAR.

According to Philippines News Agency, Domogan highlighted the constitutional provision for two autonomous regions in the Philippines, namely Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera. With BARMM having achieved its autonomy, Domogan is optimistic about rallying support from other CAR lawmakers and party-list representatives within the region to further the autonomy bid.

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDeV) in CAR has identified funding as a significant obstacle in achieving autonomy. Domogan noted that the national government has cited financial constraints as a barrier, stressing the importance of collaboration with Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, who previously supported Cordillera autonomy. Domogan remains hopeful that Secretary Recto's stance remains unchanged.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, a native of Abra, is also anticipated to back the initiative. Domogan pointed out that, similar to Mindanao, the Cordillera region faces developmental delays, which autonomy could potentially address.

In an earlier statement, Apollo Pagano, assistant regional director of DepDev-CAR, mentioned that despite receiving development funds, the region continues to receive the smallest share. Domogan emphasized that support for Cordillera's autonomy should extend beyond regional lawmakers and officials to include various national line agencies, addressing past resistance from these agencies toward autonomy efforts.